Interest in education is declining among college students, as many exhibit a lack of engagement in their courses. In classrooms, it has become common to see peers absorbed in their devices, or even asleep, reflecting a widespread disinterest that extends beyond lectures to actual coursework. A significant number of students are turning to tools like ChatGPT for assistance with questions, essay writing, and problem-solving, leading to a troubling reliance on these shortcuts. This trend undermines the fundamental purpose of education: the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.
I admit that I have also fallen into this pattern. As a first-year student last year, I started off enthusiastic about my general education classes, but over time, I became less committed and increasingly depended on digital aids such as ChatGPT, Chegg, and Brainly. Initially, my use of these tools was minimal, but it quickly escalated to the point where I realized I was absorbing very little from my courses. I justified it by telling myself that the coursework was insignificant, and it didn’t matter if I participated actively or let AI do the work.
Despite my rationalizations, a friend often reminded me that there is value in every class, regardless of how mundane it may seem. His persistent message gradually influenced my thinking, and I began to re-evaluate my approach to learning. It was only after reflecting on his words that I recognized my tendency to sidestep genuine learning. Although I always considered myself curious and passionate about education, I was inadvertently avoiding meaningful engagement with the material.
It’s easy to understand why so many students, myself included, resort to shortcuts. Tools like ChatGPT can provide answers at the click of a button, leading to a concerning dependency among students. While occasional use of such tools isn’t problematic, an over-reliance is. When we lean on AI too heavily, we miss out on the benefits of grappling with challenging concepts and the lessons that can come from academic struggles. Both mastering content and learning from the experience of dealing with difficult subjects are integral parts of education, but the convenience of shortcuts often prevents students from fully engaging in either.
Beyond simply completing assignments, these digital tools can aid in summarizing complex material, clarifying challenging concepts, and translating text, which are more productive uses. Reflect on how you use these shortcuts and consider whether they align with your genuine passion for learning.